CHANGES to the borough’s housing waiting list were agreed by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive.

The council, in partnership with Chester and District Housing Trust, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Plus Dane Group and Muir Group, has developed the new policy, which must be agreed by all the organisations involved.

Currently there are about 19,000 names on the housing waiting list but about 9,000-10,000 do not have a housing need and will no longer be eligible to go on to the new list.

Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for prosperity, said: “We are moving forward. I believe here is a very positive way to review our policies, to amend them when we need to amend them and to make sure that the people who want the houses are able to get them.

“On the housing waiting list there are people who may never qualify under the criteria for housing.”

One of the most significant changes in the proposed policy is the proposal to no longer register those without an evidenced housing need, unless they are over 55.

Another significant proposed change is that people without a local connection will no longer be able to register for social housing in the borough. The only exception would be if an applicant could show a significant need.

Cllr Pamela Hall was chairman of a pre-decision scrutiny review of the new policy.

She said one of the recommendations of the all-party group ‘was to ensure those people most vulnerable would receive support of the council and our partner organisations’.

Cllr Hall said: “There are many people on the current list who, because of the amount of their savings, current property value or earning, will never be able to demonstrate a housing need more than others and it is important the council sets appropriate expectations.

“As part of this process, people will receive more support to make sure they understand, know how to apply for houses and will be contacted if they either are not applying for houses they are eligible for or no longer qualify for being part of the waiting list.”